IPLC Working Group

The IPLC Working Group

CIC is dedicated to supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in their vital role as custodians of biodiversity and sustainable conservation practices. The IPLC Working Group, led by Bupe Banda of Zambia, amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities by providing them with an international platform to share their perspectives, challenges, and successes.

The CIC’s commitment to IPLCs has been formalized through the updated CIC Statutes (2022), which emphasize the prioritization of rural actors in global conservation dialogues. Furthermore, the 69th General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing the IPLC Working Group to bolster these efforts.

Our Mission

• Advocating for Resource Rights: Ensuring IPLCs have equitable access to and control over natural resources.
• Empowering Local Voices: Elevating IPLCs in policy-making and international forums, such as CITES, to shape conservation strategies.
• Blending Tradition with Innovation: Preserving traditional knowledge while integrating modern conservation science for impactful results.

Key Initiatives

• Participation in Global Forums: CIC regularly hosts events in the context of CITES to strengthen IPLC representation and promote their role in decision-making processes. These events highlight solutions rooted in community-led conservation and address challenges such as sustainable use and livelihoods.
• Keep Calm and Let Africa Speak: A flagship press conference series, initiated at CITES CoP17 and later expanded to the European Parliament, showcasing sustainable use strategies from Southern Africa, presented by IPLC leaders.
• Partnerships for Progress: Collaborating with like-minded organizations and stakeholders to advocate for the integration of IPLC perspectives in global biodiversity policies.

Looking Ahead

The IPLC Working Group envisions a future where Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are integral decision-makers in the global conservation landscape. By fostering inclusion, celebrating cultural heritage, and addressing systemic barriers, CIC strives to create a conservation model that benefits both people and the planet.